Immigration Agents Arrest Activists Following Them in Minneapolis

Tensions remain high as federal agents conduct more targeted immigration arrests in the Twin Cities

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Immigration officers with guns drawn arrested some activists who were trailing their vehicles on Tuesday in Minneapolis, a sign that tensions have not eased since the departure of a high-profile immigration enforcement commander last week. The arrests come as federal agents have been conducting more targeted immigration arrests at homes and neighborhoods in the area, rather than staging in parking lots.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration authorities and activists in Minneapolis, which has been a flashpoint for immigration enforcement actions. The arrests of activists following the agents' vehicles raises concerns about civil liberties and the tactics used by federal immigration enforcement.

The details

At least one person who had an anti-ICE message on clothing was handcuffed while face-down on the ground. Federal agents in the Twin Cities have been conducting more targeted immigration arrests at homes and neighborhoods, rather than staging in parking lots. Several cars followed officers through south Minneapolis after there were reports of them knocking at homes. Officers stopped their vehicles and ordered activists to come out of a car at gunpoint.

  • On Tuesday, immigration officers with guns drawn arrested some activists who were trailing their vehicles in Minneapolis.
  • Last week, Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, who was leading an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and other big U.S. cities, left town shortly after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, the second local killing of a U.S. citizen in January.

The players

Greg Bovino

A Border Patrol commander who was leading an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and other big U.S. cities before leaving town last week.

Tom Homan

The Trump administration's border czar who was dispatched to Minnesota after Bovino's departure.

Jacob Frey

The Democratic mayor of Minneapolis who has denounced the federal government's "bullying tactics" in requesting records related to the city's efforts to stifle immigration enforcement.

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Minnesota who was apparently sprayed with a substance by a man at a town hall.

Anthony Kazmierczak

A man charged with squirting apple cider vinegar on Representative Ilhan Omar, who will remain in jail after a judge denied bond.

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What they’re saying

“We have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide, but when the federal government weaponizes the criminal justice system against political opponents, it's important to stand up and fight back.”

— Ally Peters, Spokesperson for Mayor Jacob Frey (nbcsandiego.com)

“We simply cannot have protesters and people — whatever side of the aisle they're on — running up to representatives who are conducting official business, and holding town halls, and assaulting them.”

— Benjamin Bejar, Assistant U.S. Attorney (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

A federal judge last month put limits on how officers can treat motorists who are following them but not obstructing their operations, but an appeals court set that order aside. The city of Minneapolis has a deadline to produce information for a federal grand jury as part of a U.S. Justice Department request for records related to any effort to stifle the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

The takeaway

The arrests of activists following immigration agents in Minneapolis highlight the ongoing tensions and confrontations between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, raising concerns about civil liberties and the tactics used by authorities in their crackdown on immigration.